The Best Ways to Fight Pregnancy Fatigue

No
matter who you are or how many children you have, pregnancy is a challenge. Not
only do you have a lot to prepare for, but your body is undergoing serious
changes, and you still have the day-to-day struggles of normal life going on.
Plus, pregnancy hormones are raging inside
of your body!

All
of this can lead to significant fatigue. After all, you are creating a whole
new baby! However, you still have to live normal life, despite the exhaustion
you might feel. So, how can you combat fatigue? Here are the best ways to fight
pregnancy fatigue.

Get plenty of sleep.

One
of the simplest ways to fight pregnancy fatigue is by getting plenty of sleep
whenever you can. This might be easier said than done, but should be an
intentional decision you make daily. Fit Pregnancy recommends getting at least
eight or nine hours of sleep each night if possible, to help you feel better
throughout the rest of the day. When you do find yourself feeling tired during
the day, try to re-energize by taking short power naps whenever feasible.

Eat well and often.

Healthy
eating is also an important part of maintaining high energy. Processed, sugary
or fried foods tend to do more harm than good, and can drain any energy you do
have. Instead, fuel up with plenty of fruits, vegetables, protein and complex
carbohydrates to build up your energy. In addition to eating well, eat often.
Eat small snacks often in between meals to keep your blood sugar—and
energy—steady.

Drink water.

Oftentimes
during pregnancy, you might feel fatigued simply because you’re dehydrated.
Your body needs extra hydration during pregnancy, and because many women don’t
drink enough water, they end up feeling overwhelmingly fatigued. Fortunately,
you can boost your energy simply by upping your water intake throughout the
day. Keep a water bottle with you constantly so you always have a source of
water on hand. And of course, remember: if you’re thirsty, you’re already
dehydrated.

Exercise regularly.

When
you feel fatigued, exercise is probably the last thing on your mind. But, it
can actually help you battle fatigue in more ways than one. The more you move,
the more your cells move, which invigorates the body and gets your energy back
up. When you feel extra sleepy, try doing simple exercises like taking a
20-minute walk, practicing yoga or going for a swim. For more ideas on how to
exercise safely while pregnant, see our article on The Why, What and How
of Exercising While Pregnant.

Slow it down.

Of
course, if your fatigue is too strong, don’t be afraid to slow it down. This
can be tough, particularly for moms who have a lot to do on their plate, but be
sure to make “relaxation” a priority on your list. Slow down by asking others
to step in and help, say no to a social obligation or even let the laundry and
groceries go for awhile. Make self-care a priority and don’t be afraid to take
time off and focus on relaxation and rejuvenation. Once you’ve slowed down,
you’ll feel reinvigorated and less fatigued.

Take prenatal vitamins.

Prenatal
vitamins can also play a valuable role in making sure you don’t feel overwhelmed
with fatigue. Prenatal vitamins ensure you get all of the necessary vitamins
and nutrients for you and your growing baby. They can also aid you in boosting
energy levels. If you’re not sure where to start with prenatal vitamins, ask
your doctor for recommendations and see how you can get started.

Be realistic.

Finally,
be realistic about what to expect from your body during pregnancy. It’s not
fair to assume you will have the same energy levels as pre-pregnant you so be
sure to approach pregnancy with realistic expectations for yourself. If
necessary, rework your schedule around what your body needs so you can create a
realistic set of standards, without feeling overly fatigued.

Fatigue
is a very common problem many women face during pregnancy. However, with
intentional steps, it can easily be overcome. Use these ways to fight fatigue
and see how you feel better throughout pregnancy.